These grounds had previously been used as vineyards and before planting grapes soil had been turned over to a depth of approximately one metre. As a result the graves of the ancient burial ground situated here were either partially destroyed or disturbed.

This is the reason why, during the excavations, archaeologists found only 12, mostly disturbed graves. The finds show, however, that this burial ground was the resting place of one of the wealthy, high-ranking communitie of Hungarian settlers.

This can most clearly be seen from the finds of the number 1 and number 6 female and male burial. Both deceased were sent on their journey to the other world with the remains of their horses: the skull and the legs of the horses, consumed at the ceremonial funeral feast, were placed at the lower end of the burial ditch, wrapped in skin, complete with harness and saddle.

The richly ornamented clothing and harness did not only demonstrate the wealth of the deceased but also mirrored his social status. Archaeologists had come across similar ornamentation at burial sites of prestigious communities before, but some of the finds at this site are unique (for example, the belt mounts found in the male grave); similar objects had only been found at the earlier, eastern sites of Levedia and Etelköz, stations in the migration of the Hungarians in Eastern Europe.

The excavation was financed by the Damjanich Janos Museum of Szolnok, artefacts were restored by the Hungarian National Museum.

Excavation leaders: Laszlo Madaras, Istvan Fodor
Restoration work: Judit P. Dombovari, Melinda Nagy, Boglarka Lengyel
Exhibition: Istvan Fodor

The exhibition can be visited with the permanent exhibition's ticket.

On display until 30 September 2012

Source: The Hungarian National Museum
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16.
Telephon:
(36-1) 338-2122, (36-1) 327-7700, (36-1) 327-7773